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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Bettyville by George Hodgman

Beautiful Memoir

ISBN-13: 9780525427209

ISBN-10: 0525427201

Publisher: Viking

Publish Date: March 2015

Page Count: 288

Books-A-MillionPRESIDENT’S PICK
“I read George Hodgman’s extraordinary memoir in one seamless glorious
sitting. You will want to take your time and savor your experience with
this amazing family, this moving story and its timeless lessons.
Bettyville is full of love, and grace, and tenderness. Unforgettable and
engaging in its humor and in its heart.” – Terrance G. Finley,
President and Chief Executive Officer

Beautifully written memoir that touches the heart, tickles the funny
bone and causes you to pause and reflect. George Hodgman, an unemployed,
recovering addict, leaves his fast paced Manhattan world behind,
returning to his childhood home in Paris, Missouri, to care for his
elderly mother, Betty. The role reversal alone is very difficult, parent
becoming the child and child talking on the role of parent – but there
are other factors that make this situation even more trying… George
can’t select an outfit or prepare a meal without enduring his mother’s
criticisms. At times he’s able to hold his temper in check, while at
others, the two really butt heads. But the real elephant in the room is
George’s homosexuality. Although he’s been “out” with his parents for
years, it’s a silent subject (one everyone is aware of, but doesn’t
discuss).

George’s story is much more than that of a son returning home to care
for his mother…it’s a personal journey of acceptance. He finds peace
within himself and with his mother. As the novel progresses you feel a
personal connection with these people – which, for me, is the defining
aspect of a good book. And while there are no “ah-ha moments”, nor gold
at the end of the rainbow, there’s a feeling of satisfaction that all is
as it was intended.

This is a good book that I really enjoyed reading. Having taken care
of my grandmother the last several years of her life, so much of
George’s story was my story. The surface issues were different…but at
the core it was the same. I would recommend this book to anyone that
enjoys a good book.

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